Yamaha confirms valve change, accepts points penalty

Yamaha has released the following statement after being docked both Constructors and Teams' points by the FIM Stewards for failing to 'respect the protocol which requires them to obtain unanimous approval from MSMA for technical changes'.

The factory confirms that the breach was due to the use of valves from two different manufacturers. It adds they were both "manufactured according to one common design specification" but it is rumoured that while the physical shape and size of the valves was unchanged, the material composition was not the same.

Yamaha says that it respects the FIM decision and will not appeal.

The engines in question were used by all Yamaha riders during the Jerez 1 season opener, when both Vinales and Rossi lost one engine, suggesting the change backfired badly. Since then the Jerez 1 engines have only been seen on track with Maverick Vinales and Franco Morbidelli during practice in Austria.

Significantly, and controversially, no riders' world championship points were docked by the FIM meaning Jerez 1 winner Fabio Quartararo (-14 points form Suzuki's Joan Mir) and runner-up Vinales (-18), plus Morbidelli (-25) all remain in firm title contention with three rounds to go.

However, the parking of the Jerez 1 engines means the M1 riders are facing high milage and thus fewer practice laps with their remaining engines.

STATEMENT FROM YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD. FOLLOWING THE SANCTION OF THE FIM

Following the FIM statement regarding the sanction for failing to respect the protocol requiring prior unanimous approval of the MSMA when using valves from two different manufacturers in the engines of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team bikes in the 2020 season, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. shares its position.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. acknowledges, respects, and accepts the decision of the FIM about the incorrect protocols that were followed. It will not appeal against the FIM‘s sanctions.

Due to an internal oversight and an incorrect understanding of the current regulation, Yamaha omitted to give prior notification to and gain approval from the MSMA for the use of valves by two manufacturers.

Yamaha would like to clarify that there was no malintent in using the valves of two different suppliers that were manufactured according to one common design specification.

Following the sanction given by FIM on Thursday 5th November, Yamaha remains fully committed to supporting its MotoGP riders and the two teams in their title quest. It will make extraordinary efforts to still compete for the 2020 MotoGP Constructor and Rider World Championship trophies.